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Checking Inside the Computer: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 8450 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • Safety First—For You and Your Computer • Computer Orientation • Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel • Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover • Removing and Replacing the PCI-Card Access Door • Inside the Chassis • Responding to a Dell OpenManage Hardware Instrumentation Package Alert Message • Troubleshooting a Wet Computer • Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer • Troubleshooting the Battery • Troubleshooting Power Supplies • Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan • Troubleshooting Expansion Cards • Troubleshooting System Memory • Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem • Troubleshooting the I/O Board • Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Subsystem • Troubleshooting an IDE CD ROM Drive • Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive •Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives

Overview

This section provides troubleshooting procedures for components inside the computer. Before you start any of the procedures in this section, take the following steps:

You need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

NOTE: When you see the question, "Is the problem resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem.

Safety First—For You and Your Computer

The procedures in this guide require that you remove the cover and work inside the computer. While working inside the computer, do not attempt to service the computer except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow the instructions closely.

Working inside the computer is safe—if you observe the following precautions.

WARNING: The power supplies in this computer system produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the computer.
WARNING FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT

Before starting to work on the computer, perform the following steps in the sequence listed:

  1. Touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis, such as the power supply, before touching anything inside the computer.
  2. Turn off the computer and all peripherals.
  3. Disconnect the computer, peripherals, and power supplies from their electrical outlets, unless you are installing or removing a hot-pluggable component (a cooling fan, power supply, or expansion card).
  4. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
  5. Never place conductive objects such as tools, metal pens, or screws inside the system.
    6.

In addition, Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety instructions for this system.

Computer Orientation

When following the procedures in this guide, assume that the locations or directions relative to the computer are as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Computer Orientation

top_view.gif (14478 bytes)

1

Back of system

2

Right side

3

Front of system

4

Left side

Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

A door on the front bezel allows access to the power switch, diskette drive, and CD-ROM drive or tape drive. Removing the front bezel provides access to the memory board(s) and hard-disk drive(s). A keylock on the bezel locks the bezel door, secures the bezel to the system chassis to prevent unauthorized access to the power switch or removal of the hard-disk drives or system memory boards, and locks the entire system into place in the rack.

Removing the Front Bezel

To remove the front bezel of the computer, perform the following steps:

  1. Press the right edge of the system badge on the front bezel to release the catch on the system badge, then press the left edge of the badge to access the keylock (see step 1 in Figure 2).

Figure 2. Removing the Front Bezel

Inside-4.gif (50107 bytes)

  1. Using the key provided with the system, unlock the bezel (step 2 in Figure 2).
  2. Grasp the bezel by its upper and lower edges and pull the bezel straight forward to disengage the mounting pins on the bezel from the system chassis (step 3 in Figure 2).

Replacing the Front Bezel

To replace the front bezel of the computer, perform the following steps:

CAUTION: When reinstalling the front bezel, carefully align the bezel to avoid damaging the clear, plastic light pipes on the back of the bezel.
  1. Align the mounting pins and light pipes on the back of the bezel with the corresponding holes in the system front panel, and press the bezel into place.
  2. Lock the bezel using the system key.
  3. Close the system badge.

Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover

The computer is enclosed by a front bezel and a cover. To upgrade or troubleshoot the system. you may need to remove the computer cover to gain access to the microprocessors, cache coherency filters, and input/output (I/O) board.

Removing the Computer Cover

To remove the computer cover, perform the following steps:

  1. Unlock the front bezel.
  2. Loosen the thumbscrews on either side of the front bezel that secure the computer to the rack.
  3. Slide the computer away from the rack to allow access to the computer cover.
  4. Observe the precautions in Safety First—For You and Your Computer.
  5. Remove the two screws (securing the cover to the chassis (see step 1 in Figure 3 ).

Figure 3. Removing the Computer Cover

 Inside-1.gif (42864 bytes)

  1. Slide the cover a half-inch (about a centimeter) or so toward the back of the computer (step 2 in Figure 3), and grasp the top of the cover at both ends.
  2. Carefully lift the cover straight up and away from the chassis (step 3 in Figure 3).

Replacing the Computer Cover

To replace the computer cover, perform the following steps:

  1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the computer cover.
  2. Check that no tools or parts (including screws) are left inside the computer.
  3. Fit the cover over the sides of the chassis, and slide it forward.
  4. Secure the cover with the two screws.
  5. Slide the computer back into the rack and secure it with the two thumbscrews.
  6. Lock the front bezel.

Removing and Replacing the PCI-Card Access Door

You can access the hot-pluggable Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion-card slots, without removing the entire computer cover, by removing the access door in the cover.

Removing the PCI-Card Access Door

To remove the PCI-card access door, perform the following steps:

  1. Observe the precautions in Safety First—For You and Your Computer.
  2. If present, remove the two screws securing the access door to the computer cover (see step 1 in Figure 4 ).
    (These screws are installed before your system is shipped to you, and should not be reinstalled.)

Figure 4. Removing the PCI-Card Access Door

 Inside-3.gif (42659 bytes)

  1. Slide the access door towards the back of the system and lift the door off of the computer cover (step 2 in Figure 4).

Replacing the PCI-Card Access Door

To replace the PCI-card access door, perform the following steps:

  1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the cover.
  2. Verify that no tools or parts (including screws) are left inside the computer.
  3. Fit the door into place on the computer cover.

Inside the Chassis

In Figure 5, the system cover, front bezel, and fan compartment cover are removed to provide an interior view of the system:

Figure 5. Inside the System

Inside-5.gif (74303 bytes)

1

cooling fan

2

microprocessor in SEC cartridge

3

I/O board

4

memory board

5

hard-disk drive carrier

The I/O board—the large, horizontal printed circuit board at the back of the chassis—incorporates the PCI expansion-card connectors and drive interface connectors.

The external drive bays provide space for a 3.5-inch diskette drive and a half-height 5.25-inch drive, such as a CD-ROM drive or tape drive. The hard-disk drive bays provide space for one or two 1-inch small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drives. These hard-disk drives are connected to a SCSI host adapter on the system board.

The profusion board serves as an interface for one or two microprocessor boards and two cache coherency filters (if two microprocessor boards are installed). Each microprocessor board supports up to four microprocessors. Each memory board holds up to 16 dual-inline memory modules (DIMMs).

The vertical midplane board in the center of the system serves as an interface for the profusion board, the I/O board, the memory boards, and the three power supplies.

During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be required to change a jumper or switch setting. For information on the I/O board jumpers, see Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors.

Responding to a Dell OpenManage™ Hardware Instrumentation Package Alert Message

The Dell OpenManage Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application program monitors critical system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling fans, and the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives in the computer. The application program generates alert messages that appear in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap log file. More information about the Alert Log window and options is provided in the Dell OpenManage HIP online help and the HP OpenView NNM SE 1.5 With Dell OpenManage HIP 1.5 User's Guide.

Troubleshooting a Wet Computer

Liquid spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the system. If an external device (such as a printer or an external drive) gets wet, contact the device manufacturer for instructions. If the computer gets wet, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. Remove the computer cover.
  2. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.
    Make sure that it is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
  3. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer.
  4. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
    Does the system have power?
    Yes. Go to step 5.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  5. Turn off the system, disconnect it from the electrical outlet, remove the computer cover, and reinstall all expansion cards you removed in step 3.
  6. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.
  7. Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. The system is operating properly.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer

If the computer was dropped or damaged while being moved, you should check the computer to see if it functions properly. If an external device attached to the computer is dropped or damaged, contact the manufacturer of the device for instructions or see Getting Help for information on obtaining technical assistance from Dell. To troubleshoot a damaged computer, perform the following steps:

  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the computer cover.
    Check all the board and card connections in the computer.
  2. Check the following connections:
  • Expansion-card connections to the system board
  • Drive carrier connections to the SCSI backplane board
  1. Verify all internal cable and component connections.
    Make sure that all cables are properly connected and that all components are properly seated in their connectors and sockets.
  2. Replace the computer cover and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.
  3. Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. The system is operating properly.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Battery

If an error message indicates a problem with the battery, or if the system setup program loses the system configuration information when the computer is turned off, the battery may be defective.

To troubleshoot the battery, perform the following steps:

  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the computer cover.
  2. Check the connection of the coin cell battery to the system board.
    See Replacing the Battery for information on gaining access to the battery socket.
  3. Is the battery firmly installed in the battery socket on the system board?
    Yes. Go to step 6.
    No. Go to step 5.
  4. Reseat the battery in its socket.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The battery was loose. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Continue with this procedure.
WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  1. Replace the battery.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The battery's charge was low. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  2. If you removed any expansion cards in step 3, reinstall them now.
  3. Replace the system cover, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

Dell PowerEdge 8450 systems contain three redundant, hot-pluggable power supplies. If the amber power-supply fault indicator on the system front panel lights up, one of the three power supplies has failed. The three indicators on the back of each power supply (see Figure 6) signal the power supply's current status. If the amber FAIL indicator blinks or is lit up continuously; or the amber PR_FL predictive failure light-emitting diode (LED) is blinking, replace the power supply as described in the following subsection.

Figure 6. Power Supply Features

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    1

    		power indicator

    2

    		predictive failure indicator

    3

    		failure indicator

Removing and Replacing a Power Supply

To replace a power supply, perform the following steps.

NOTE: The power supply is heavy. Support it with both hands when installing or removing it.
  1. Remove the power supply as follows:
    1. Rotate the handle downward to release the power supply.
    2. Slide the power supply out of the chassis.
  2. Slide the new power supply into the chassis.
NOTE: Do not use excessive force when sliding the power supply into the chassis.
  1. Rotate the power supply handle to the closed position.
NOTE: The power supply will not function until the handle is closed.

Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan

A total of six hot-pluggable cooling fans are installed in the Dell PowerEdge 8450 system chassis. The fans are arranged in three pairs of two fans. Although the system can continue to operate if at least one fan per pair is operating, you should replace a failed fan as soon as possible.

If the amber fan fault indicator on the system front panel lights up or the Dell OpenManage HIP server management application program issues a fan-related error message, perform the following steps to troubleshoot the problem.

  1. Remove the front bezel.
  2. To access the fan bays, remove the fan bay cover's retention screw and lift the cover (see steps 1 through 3 in Figure 7).

Figure 7. Removing a Cooling Fan

 Inside-9.gif (29725 bytes)

1

Fan bay cover retention screw

2

Cooling fan

3

Fan bay cover
  1. Check the amber indicator lights adjacent to each fan to identify the defective cooling fan.
  2. Remove and reseat the fan in its compartment (step 4 in Figure 7).
    Does the fan operate properly?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 5.
  3. Insert the replacement cooling fan.
    Does the fan operate properly?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem. Go to step 6.
    No. One of the fan bay connectors is faulty. See Getting Help for information on obtaining technical assistance.
  4. Replace the fan bay cover.
  5. Replace the front bezel.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem or if an expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the problem could be a faulty connection, a conflict with software or other hardware, or a faulty expansion card. To troubleshoot expansion cards, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the system or the expansion cards, you must power down the expansion slot using the PCI Hot Plug Utility before removing or installing an expansion card.
  1. Remove the PCI-card access door and verify that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.
    Are the expansion cards properly seated in their connectors?
    Yes. Go to step 3.
    No. Go to step 2.
  2. Reseat the expansion cards in their connectors.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The connection was loose. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 3.
  3. Verify that any appropriate cables are firmly connected to their corresponding connectors on the expansion cards.
    For instructions on which cables should be attached to specific connectors on an expansion card, see the expansion card's documentation.
    Are the appropriate cables firmly attached to their connectors?
    Yes. Go to step 5.
    No. Go to step 4.
  4. Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropriate connectors on the expansion cards.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The cable connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 5.
  5. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer.
  6. Enter the system setup program, and update the system configuration information.
    See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
  7. Run the System Memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. Go to step 8.
    No. See Getting Help for information on obtaining technical assistance.
  8. Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 5 and repeat steps 6 and 7.
  9. Repeat step 8 for each of the remaining expansion cards that you removed in step 5.
    Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without encountering a test failure?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for information on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting System Memory

A system memory problem can be a faulty DIMM or a faulty memory board. If a random-access memory (RAM) error message appears, the system probably has a memory problem.

To troubleshoot system memory, perform the following steps:

  1. Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
    Is there an error message indicating invalid system configuration information after the memory count is completed?
    Yes. Go to step 2.
    No. Go to step 5.
  2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the memory board(s) and reseat the DIMMs in their sockets.
  2. Replace the computer bezel and reconnect the system to an electrical outlet.
  3. Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.
    Does the monitor screen remain blank, and do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on?
    Yes. Go to step 6.
    No. Go to step 8.
  4. Repeat steps 2 through 4.
    Swap the DIMM in socket J1 on the memory board(s) with one of the same capacity,
  5. Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 8.
  6. Run the System Memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following items is the source of the problem: the monitor, the monitor interface cable, the video memory, or the video logic of the computer. You can also have a high-resolution video expansion card installed, which overrides the video logic of the computer.

The following procedure troubleshoots problems with the video memory and video logic only. Before you begin, perform the procedure found in Troubleshooting the Monitor to determine whether or not the monitor is the source of the problem.

If you have a high-resolution video expansion card, first complete the steps in Troubleshooting Expansion Cards to verify that the card is configured and installed correctly.

To troubleshoot the video subsystem, perform the following steps:

  1. Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. The problem is not related to video hardware. Go to Finding Software Solutions.
    No. Go to step 2.
  2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the computer cover.
  2. Determine whether a video expansion card is installed.
    Is a video expansion card installed?
    Yes. Go to step 5.
    No. The integrated video controller is faulty. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  3. Remove the video expansion card, connect the monitor interface cable to the video connector on the computer's back panel
  4. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to an electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. The video expansion card is faulty. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining assistance.

Troubleshooting the I/O Board

An I/O board problem can result from a defective component, a faulty power supply, or a defective component connected to the I/O board. If an error message indicates an I/O board problem, perform the following steps to troubleshoot the problem:

  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
  2. Remove the PCI-card access door.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove all expansion cards except the SCSI host adapter card and the video expansion card (if they are installed).
  2. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
  3. Enter the system setup utility (SSU) and update the system information.
    See "Using the System Setup Utility" in the User's Guide for instructions.
  4. Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. Go to step 7.
    No. Go to step 11.
  5. Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 3, repeat steps 4 and 5, and continue with step 8.
  6. Run the System Board Devices tests again.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. Go to step 9.
    No. Go to step 11.
  7. Repeat step 7 for each of the remaining expansion cards you removed in step 3.
    Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without a test failure?
    Yes. Go to step 10.
    No. One of the expansion cards is faulty. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  8. Disconnect the keyboard and reboot the system.
    Does the system boot successfully to the operating system?
    Yes. Go to step 11.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
  9. Swap the keyboard with a comparable working keyboard and run the System Board Devices tests again.
    Did the tests run successfully?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Subsystem

If the monitor displays a system error message indicating a diskette drive problem during execution of either the boot routine or the Dell Diagnostics, the problem may be caused by any of the following conditions:

  • The system configuration settings do not match the physical diskette subsystem configuration.
  • The diskette drive cable is not properly connected or is faulty.
  • An expansion card is interfering with proper drive operations.
  • The diskette drive may be improperly configured.
  • The diskette drive is faulty.
  • The computer's diskette drive logic is faulty.

To troubleshoot the diskette drive subsystem, perform the following steps:

  1. Enter the system setup program, and verify that the system is configured correctly for the Diskette Drive A setting.
    See "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.
  2. If the system configuration settings are incorrect, make the necessary corrections in the system setup program, and then reboot the system.
  3. Run the Diskette test in the Dell Diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 4.
  4. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the peripherals bay.
  2. Is the diskette drive cable securely connected to the diskette-drive interface cable connector J6 on the SCSI backplane board?
    Yes. Go to step 8.
    No. Go to step 7.
  3. Reconnect the diskette-drive interface cable to the SCSI backplane board.
  4. Is the diskette-drive interface cable securely connected to the interface connector on the I/O board?
    Yes. Go to step 10.
    No. Go to step 9.
  5. Reconnect the diskette-drive interface cable to the interface connector on the I/O board.
  6. Is the drive's DC power cable firmly connected to the drive?
    Yes. Go to step 12.
    No. Go to step 11.
  7. Reconnect the DC power cable connector.
  8. Slide the peripherals bay back into the system chassis and secure it with the four screws.
  9. Replace the memory board cover and secure it using the four captive screws.
  10. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
  11. Run the Diskette test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 16.
  12. Remove all expansion cards.
  13. Run the Diskette test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. An expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or you may have a faulty expansion card. Go to step 18.
    No. Go to step 21.
  14. Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 16.
  15. Run the Diskette test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. Go to step 20.
    No. Go to step 21.
  16. Repeat steps 18 and 19 until all expansion cards have been reinstalled or until one of the expansion cards prevents the system from booting from the diagnostics diskette.
  17. Repeat steps 4 and 5. Verify that the drive's termination is enabled and that the drive-select jumper is set to the DS1 position. For information about the drive's termination and drive-select settings, refer to the documentation for the drive.
NOTE: Some diskette drives may require you to remove the drive from the computer to change the drive's termination and drive-select settings.
  1. Is the drive configured correctly?
    Yes. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
    No. Go to step 23.
  2. Correct the drive-select jumper and drive termination settings.
  3. Replace the peripherals bay and the memory board cover.
  4. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
  5. Run the Diskette test in the Dell Diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. You have solved the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting an IDE CD-ROM Drive

To troubleshoot the integrated drive electronics (IDE) CD-ROM drive, perform the following steps:

  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the peripherals bay.
  2. Is the IDE-drive interface cable securely connected to the IDE-drive interface cable connector J2 on the SCSI backplane board?
    Yes. Go to step 5.
    No. Go to step 4.
  3. Reconnect the IDE-drive interface cable to the SCSI backplane board.
  4. Remove the computer cover.
    Is the IDE-drive interface cable securely connected to the interface connector on the I/O board?
    Yes. Go to step 7.
    No. Go to step 6.
  5. Reconnect the IDE-drive interface cable to the interface connector on the I/O board and replace the computer cover.
  6. Is the drive's DC power cable firmly connected to the drive?
    Yes. Go to step 9.
    No. Go to step 8.
  7. Reconnect the DC power cable connector.
  8. Slide the peripheral bay back into the system chassis and secure it with the four screws.
  9. Replace the memory board cover and secure it using the four captive screws.
  10. Replace the front bezel.
  11. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
  12. Run the IDE Devices test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the IDE CD-ROM drive now works correctly.
    Did the test run successfully?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive

The SCSI tape drive is controlled by a SCSI host adapter card installed in the computer, which may also control other SCSI devices connected to one or more SCSI cables. SCSI devices often require device drivers for the particular operating system being used by the computer system.

Tape drive problems often result from a defective tape drive, a defective tape cartridge, or software. To troubleshoot a SCSI tape drive, perform the following steps:

  1. Remove the tape that was in use when the problem occurred and replace it with a tape that you know is not defective.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The original tape was defective. Replace it with a new tape. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 2.
  2. Verify that any required SCSI device drivers are installed on the hard-disk drive and are configured correctly.
    See "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers" in the User's Guide for instructions on installing and configuring the SCSI device drivers for the system's integrated SCSI host adapter or Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller host adapter card.
    For any other type of SCSI host adapter card, see the documentation that accompanied the SCSI host adapter card.
    Are the drivers installed and configured correctly?
    Yes. The SCSI device drivers were installed or configured incorrectly or were corrupted. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 3.
  3. Reinstall the tape backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The tape backup software was corrupted. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 4.
  4. Reboot the system and check for the presence of the tape drive during the optional ROM scan sequence.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The drive is correctly cabled and is receiving power. Go to step 6.
    No. Go to step 5.
  5. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Check the SCSI cable connection to the connector on the SCSI host adapter card and the SCSI tape drive. Check the DC power cable connection to the tape drive.
    Are the cables firmly connected?
    Yes. Go to step 8.
    No. Go to step 7.
  2. Reseat the cable connectors. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn it on.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 8.
  3. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals.
  4. Verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI ID number and that the tape drive is terminated or not terminated as appropriate.
    See the documentation for the tape drive for instructions on selecting the SCSI ID and enabling or disabling termination.
    Is the tape drive configured correctly?
    Yes. Go to step 11.
    No. Go to step 10.
  5. Reconfigure the tape drive's SCSI ID and termination settings as appropriate. Reinstall the tape drive, replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn it on.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The tape drive was configured incorrectly. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 11.
  6. Repeat step 5 and continue to step 12.
  7. Replace the SCSI cable that connects the tape drive to the SCSI host adapter. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn it on.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives

Hard-disk drive problems can be caused by a number of conditions, including problems with the drive itself, the SCSI backplane board, or the SCSI cable connections to the I/O board or SCSI backplane board.

The SCSI backplane board monitors the SCSI hard-disk drives connected to the backplane board. In the event of a drive failure, systems using the optional Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller host adapter card issue the following signals by using the drive indicator lights adjacent to each SCSI hard-disk drive:

  • If a drive shows signs of imminent failure, the drive online indicator stays on and the drive failure indicator blinks on briefly each second.
  • If a drive has failed, the drive online indicator turns off and the drive failure indicator blinks on briefly each second.

To troubleshoot a hard-disk drive problem, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive. Before you proceed, back up all the files on the hard-disk drive.
  1. If the integrated SCSI host adapter is being used to control the SCSI backplane board, reboot the system and press <Ctrl><c> to enter the SCSI configuration utility program.
NOTE: If your system has a Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller 2 installed, reboot the system and press <Ctrl><m>. Refer to the documentation supplied with the controller for information on the configuration utility.

Is the primary SCSI channel enabled?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.

  1. Check that the primary SCSI channel is enabled, and reboot the system.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 3.
  2. Verify that the SCSI device drivers are installed and configured correctly.
    See "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers" in the User's Guide to determine which drivers are required and how they should be installed and configured.
    Are the required SCSI device drivers installed and configured correctly?
    Yes. Go to step 5.
    No. Go to step 4.
  3. Reinstall and/or reconfigure the required SCSI device drivers. Then reboot the system.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 5.
  4. Remove the drive carrier and install it in the other drive bay.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The SCSI backplane board has a defective connector. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
    No. Go to step 6.
  5. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.
  1. Remove the computer cover.
  2. Check the SCSI cable connection to the SCSI host adapter. The SCSI cable may be connected to the internal SCSI host adapter on the I/O board or a SCSI host adapter installed in an expansion slot.
    Is the cable firmly connected?
    Yes. Go to step 10.
    No. Go to step 9.
  3. Reseat the cable connector, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The cable connection was faulty. You have fixed the problem.
    No. Go to step 10.
  4. Partition and logically format the hard-disk drive. If possible, restore the files to the drive.
    To partition and logically format the drive, see the documentation for the computer's operating system.
    Is the problem resolved?
    Yes. The hard-disk drive format was corrupted. You have fixed the problem.
    No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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